Written by: Rev. Larry Sassmann Assistant Pastor

       We are reminded this weekend, as we celebrate Memorial Day, of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service of their country. The countless, selfless, multitudes that have died, leaving behind parents, spouses and children to protect and defend the freedom we enjoy in the United States. It may seem, when we read the news, that some of those freedoms are in jeopardy. Regardless of laws that have somewhat limited the first amendment and rumors pertaining to the second, we are privileged to live in a country with more personal freedom than any other in existence.

Whether we attend a parade, a memorial service, or just that barbecue or picnic, we need to consider those who gave their lives, that we may hold on to the choices and rights granted by our Constitution. From the Revolutionary War, which first determined our independence, through the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, World War 1, World War 2, Korea and Vietnam, and more recently Desert Storm and all the Mid-East conflicts.

Over six hundred thousand have stepped from this life into eternity from combat related deaths, most at an age when life should just be beginning. Thousands upon thousands have stepped into an eternity where pain and tears will be no more (Revelation 21:4), but many others stepped into a never ending darkness filled with suffering. Those who had trusted in the shed blood of Jesus, even though their death was traumatic, have found an everlasting peace. The souls who rejected Christ’s forgiveness will exist eternally without any peace.  Which group will you join on your eventual death?

On Memorial Day we remember those who died for our freedom, but with this comes a sobering reminder that we too will all face eternity. Will yours be one of peace or torment? Isaiah 55:6 tells us to “Seek the Lord, while He may be found”. Trust Christ today! We are not promised tomorrow…Once your salvation is secure in the only one who freely gave His life that we may obtain freedom from sin, then we can join in saying “Death has been swallowed up in victory” (Isaiah 25;8; 1 Corinthians 15:54)